How to Train a Service Dog: Safety guidance

Answer to say: Safety guidance DOJ (what the tags mean)

What the dog does: Leads you to an exit or a quiet, safe spot when you're overwhelmed or disoriented.

You'll need: patience, healthy low-calorie treats, short 5–10 minute sessions, and a marker word or clicker.

Steps:

1. At home, walk to a door, and mark and reward the dog for reaching it. Name it ("Exit").
2. Repeat from farther away and from different rooms.
3. In each new place, show the dog where the exit is and practice several times before you count on it.
4. Teach a light, steady lead. The dog leads, it doesn't drag. IAADP says you follow as soon as you feel a slight tug.
5. Add your signal (like hands over your face) as the cue.
6. Practice in pet-friendly stores, hotel lobbies, and patios.

Common mistakes: expecting it to work in a new place on the first try. IAADP says this can take months to become reliable.

When to get a pro: if the dog pulls hard or panics in crowds.

Sources: IAADP, "Assist to Leave the Area by Finding Exit"; DOJ 2010 guidance ("removing disoriented individuals from dangerous situations").

Your condition stays private. When staff ask what your dog is trained to do, just name the task. See What to say when they ask.

These are general training tips, not a substitute for a qualified trainer, your doctor, or your vet. Stop any exercise that hurts or stresses your dog. Sources checked October 19, 2026.